Gear

Serato has announced the first major update to Serato DJ. Serato DJ 1.2.0 arrives with professional features - 4 deck mixing; advanced FX powered by iZotope; midi mapping for use with a secondary controller; among others - to create a comprehensive new digital DJ platform...

Last week, Native Instruments released the TRAKTOR DJ app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. It piggybacks off the iPad version, with an interface optimal for the other devices. The app is a continuation of Native Instrument’s goal of using touch-controlled waveform displays to interact with music...

Part I: A-Trak & Chrome Sparks House Party During SXSW this past March, Fader and Sonos Studio threw five days of parties and asked a handful of artists to create playlists each night. The artists were able to DJ wirelessly from anywhere in the venue thanks to Sonos technology, which also allowed the ability to edit sets live with a phone app linking to various music software (Spotify, iTunes,

For use with higher-end headphones, Meridian Explorer has released a portable DAC and headphone amp. The device promises better sound quality and time precision. It supports analog and mini Toslink connections. Read more HERE.

The Maple Q Speaker is a high-end stereo system ($1500) from Q, the producer of hand-crafted, 100% wood audio devices. The Maple Q is made entirely from American Maple, which accentuates its simple and stylish design. It arrives with a 90 watts amp and boasts 360 degree audio coverage...

Here is a solid gift option for a child or a friend/significant other who likes plush toys and music. The Teddy Bear Speaker comes with a 3.5mm connector to serve as a speaker for most audio devices. Available in pink, white, or blue. Purchase HERE...

The Boombot1 is a portable speaker with a battery life of 6 hours (takes an hour to recharge). It measures approx 3.6in x 3.6in x 2.1in, which certainly makes it ultraportable, although the loudness and crispness at such a size is questionable (it arrives with 50mm drivers)...

From tech firm Atomic Floyd comes the MiniDarts, ear buds which feature the sound power and quality of Atomic Floyd with a handful of extras. Embedded technology promises 2-way noise isolation via the eartips and sound precision. Read more HERE...

The AF45 earbuds are another reasonably priced pair of earbuds (models start at $60). This pair features a custom voiced dynamic driver for crisper sounds, noise-isolation enhanced by the ear tips, and a durable design. Purchase HERE...

Featuring a magic pencil silhouette that goes in one ear and out the other, the Magic Pencil Earphones are made as school supply ear buds. A creative design for a reasonable $50, although we have not had the chance to test out the audio quality...